The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has charged three Chester County residents in connection with a May 3 drive by shooting on Pinckney Street in Chester that killed a 16 year old and wounded two other teenagers.
John David Estes, 21, and Quentin Javor Craig Jr., 24, are each charged with Murder and two counts of Attempted Murder. Kenyetta Adrryll Sims, 53, is charged with Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:18 p.m. on May 3, 2026, on Pinckney Street in Chester. According to arrest warrants filed by SLED Special Agent Paul B. Knight, 16 year old Avery West was fatally struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased on scene. A 17 year old was struck in the back by gunfire and transported by ambulance to a hospital in York County for treatment. A third individual was also targeted in the shooting.
Warrants state that Estes was seated in a 2014 Ford Focus when shots were fired from the vehicle. Craig, while armed with a firearm, fired at West from the same Ford Focus, which warrants indicate was known to belong to and be in the possession of Estes. Both men fled the area after the shooting.
The warrants state that Estes’ involvement was confirmed by surveillance footage, witness statements, and his own admission. Craig’s involvement was confirmed by surveillance footage, witness statements, and a co defendant’s statement.
Sims is alleged to have aided Craig between May 4 and May 6, 2026, by providing him transportation to Pineville, North Carolina, arranging concealment at a residence, and providing payment for transit outside the United States. The warrant also states that during non custodial interviews in Chester County, Sims provided false information to law enforcement that delayed and obstructed the investigation. Her involvement was identified through witness statements and her own admission.
Estes was charged on Tuesday, May 5. Sims was charged on Thursday, May 7. Craig was charged on Saturday, May 9.
All three were booked into the Chester County Detention Center. Bond was denied on all three individuals. The case will be prosecuted by the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
The Chester Police Department and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the SLED investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information can call SLED at (866) 472 8477, email [email protected], or submit a tip to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office at https://form.jotform.com/261274730916156.
Source: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division press release dated May 12, 2026, and accompanying arrest warrants 2026A1210100289, 2026A1210100290, 2026A1210100291, 2026A1210100292, 2026A1210100293, 2026A1210100294, and 2026A1210100307.
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